Charity in the Qur'an

Question

What is the status, significance, and impact of charity (infaq) in the Qur'an?

Charity (infaq) is one of the most fundamental and central elements of religiosity, repeatedly emphasized in the Qur'an, with a great reward promised for it. Its benefits include purification of the soul, attainment of righteousness and spiritual ranks, and alleviation of poverty in society.

In the Qur'an, those who give in charity are described as believers, the pious, and the virtuous. Alongside attributes such as faith in the unseen, patience, righteousness, and establishing prayer, charity is considered a defining characteristic of a true Muslim, to whom God promises paradise.

According to the Qur'an, the deserving recipients of charity include the poor, the needy, orphans, stranded destitute travelers, and the destitute.

The Virtue and Significance of Charity (Infaq)

Infaq, or giving in the way of God, refers to the act of sharing one’s resources granted by God for divine purposes. It is one of the most esteemed moral values, frequently emphasized in the Qur'an. God promises a great reward and paradise for those who engage in infaq, multiplying the wealth they give several times over. Furthermore, those who practice infaq will be free from fear and sorrow.

The Qur'an contains hundreds of verses addressing support for the needy, including zakat, khums, sadaqah, infaq, interest-free loans, feeding the hungry, self-devotion and etc. It provides clear guidance on the type and amount of charity, as well as the qualifications of both the giver and the recipient. The Qur'an repeatedly commands believers to give generously, sometimes using reproachful tones, questioning why they would hesitate to give when everything ultimately belongs to God.

Infaq serves both spiritual and social purposes:

1. Spiritual Elevation: It elevates an individual's spiritual standing to noble heights.
2. Social and Economic Impact: It contributes to improving the economic and social conditions of society.

Numerous verses highlighting the attributes of the pious and virtuous include recommendations for infaq. It is considered one of the most critical obligations in Islam, encompassing both حقوق الناس (the rights of people) and حقوق الله (the rights of God). God reassures believers that whatever they give in charity will be compensated by Him. In one verse, infaq is likened to a seed that produces seven hundred grains, symbolizing the immense reward for this act. Scholars of Qur'anic exegesis describe infaq as a profitable trade, as God Himself guarantees its return.

Purification (Tazkiyah)

One of the significant effects of charity (infaq) is purification, as highlighted in the Qur'anic verse: ﴾الَّذِی یُؤْتِی مَالَهُ یَتَزَکَّیٰ﴿.

Commentators explain that the term "purify" (يتَزَكّىٰ) here indicates the intent of drawing closer to God with sincerity. This purification could mean either spiritual and moral growth or cleansing wealth, as tazkiyah encompasses both "growth" and "purification." Another verse elaborates: ﴾الَّذِی یُؤْتِی مَالَهُ یَتَزَکَّیٰ﴿.

According to the Qur'an, infaq erases sins and enables a person to achieve righteousness: ﴾الَّذِی یُؤْتِی مَالَهُ یَتَزَکَّیٰ﴿.

The secret of infaq’s transformative power lies in its ability to release the human soul from the chains of material attachment. As Martyr Murtaza Mutahhari states,

"When a person gives something of their own, they embody the merciful nature of God, which plays a crucial role in nurturing their humanity."

Additionally, the exegete of Majma' al-Bayan emphasizes that a true giver seeks purity in the sight of God, avoiding ostentation and fame.

Eradication of Poverty

The Qur'an extensively discusses the economic duties of believers, with infaq appearing in more than eighty instances in various forms, urging Muslims to allocate part of God’s blessings to others.

One of the primary aims of infaq is to eradicate poverty. Religious scholars assert that the culture of infaq encourages individuals to care for the well-being and livelihood of others. When implemented as the Qur'an envisions, infaq can significantly alleviate, and possibly eliminate, poverty—one of humanity's most pressing issues. Commentators highlight that Islam seeks to abolish unjust disparities between the wealthy and the poor, stemming from societal inequities. To achieve this, Islam offers comprehensive economic measures, with infaq and financial aid as central elements.

Acts of charity and striving to alleviate poverty are considered righteous deeds, repeatedly emphasized in the Qur'an. Conversely, those who hoard wealth and refuse to spend in the way of God are sternly warned: ﴾﴿.

Hoarding wealth and neglecting infaq are prohibited in Islamic teachings, with severe condemnation directed toward those who engage in such practices.

Attributes of Those Who Give in Charity (Infaq)

The Qur'an describes those who give in charity with admirable qualities, highlighting their elevated spiritual and moral stature. Among them are: • The Pious (Muttaqin): ﴾﴿. • Believers and the Successful (Muflihun): ﴾﴿. • The Virtuous (Muhsinin): ﴾﴿. • The Truthful (Sadiqun): ﴾﴿. The Qur'an also highlights the consistency of charity, as the righteous are praised for giving in both ease and hardship. They set aside a portion of their wealth specifically for the poor and needy.

Who Deserves Charity?

The Qur'an specifies those eligible to receive charity, emphasizing the importance of addressing societal needs. These groups include:

• The poor (fuqara’), the needy (masakin), stranded destitute travelers, orphans, and the deprived.
• Those responsible for distributing charity, individuals whose hearts need reconciliation, debtors, and those in the path of God, ﴾﴿.

The Qur'an distinguishes between mandatory acts of charity—such as zakat, khums, expiatory payments (kafarat), and certain forms of fidya—and voluntary acts, including endowments (waqf), providing shelter, bequests, and donations. Both categories serve to foster a culture of generosity and communal care.

File:پرونده:کتاب انفاق نوشته امام موسی صدر.jpg

The Book of Al-Infaq by Imam Musa Sadr

The Method of Giving in Charity (Infaq)

The Qur'an regards both open and secret forms of charity as commendable, promising rewards for each. However, it emphasizes that secret charity is preferable: " If you give alms openly, it is well, and if you hide it and give it to the poor, it is better for you; and this will do away with some of your evil deeds; and Allah is aware of what you do." Open Charity: Openly giving charity has its benefits, such as encouraging others to engage in this virtuous act and fostering a culture of generosity within society. Secret Charity: Concealed charity is free from ostentation, boasting, or causing harm or humiliation to the recipient. It is deeply valued for its profound spiritual and emotional impact on both the giver and the recipient.